As we get to the peaches and cream part of the Champions League, it's as good a time as any to look at the recent new recruits at the Brox. Some of the pessimism which swept round G51 has been dissipated by recent displays, which have proved that Rangers will always survive and prosper and that Alex McLeish is simply one shrewd cookie in the transfer market.
Zurab Khizanishvili- Quite simply, a class act and whatever we end up paying for him will be in the Dick Turpin mask & gun category. Great ability, wonderful temperament, versatility in spades. Will be a big big player for Rangers for some years to come.
Henning Berg- Been round the houses several times now and although at 34 is no longer a spring chicken, his experience and calmness is showing through and was instrumental in Copenhagen in getting the Teddies to the dizzy heights of the Champions League. As long as he's not up against any speed merchant, should do fine!
Paolo Vanoli - Another good experienced pro who is comfortable on the ball and can play in several positions. Will be a good acquisition for Rangers as injuries and suspensions take their toll.
Emerson Costa - A big game player who may well turn out to be our trump card in this section. Has bags of skill, can dig and also get a few goals, I have good vibes about this guy. Champions League football looks to be tailor made for 'Emoraldo', lets hope so.
Nuno Capucho - Another big game player who if he turns it on can make the difference in this section. Has undoubted ability but has so far failed to win over the Ibrox legions due to his 'economy of effort'. This will change if he gets us through this group.
Egil Ostenstaad - Big physical striker with loads of Euro experience who hopefully can rise to this particular challenge. Currently struggling for match fitness but may well be a supersub for the Sons Of.
So the scene is set. Personally, I feel that the hard part has been achieved in getting to the group stages and as we have been virtually written off by everyone outside the West of Scotland, there should be little pressure on the side. I just hope we can play with a freedom and inhibition which has been sadly lacking recently in Europe and who knows.
Clearly, the vital games will be at home to Stuttgart and against Panathinaikos at home. Six points here and we are in with a right shout of advancement. Anything taken from Manchester Utd will be a bonus.
I am cautiously optimistic we can get second place but a lot will depend on if we can beat Stuttgart. As well as being a very good manager, Alex McLeish seems to have the lovely knack of being a lucky manager too.
Lets hope he is still riding his luck around 9-45pm tomorrow evening. Go to it Bears!
THE MAJOR